The films brought me to the books. I was blown away by how much the films could *not* depict. Tolkien's wizardly skill with language continues to amaze me. I fell in love with the books immediately, and haven't looked back since.

Favorite Tolkien character:

Hmm...I would have trouble picking just one. Therefore I won't right now. Let's just say that Gandalf and Sam have a head start on everyone else. :)